By Chor-Ching Fan

Navigating the FedRAMP compliance landscape can be challenging, especially with the transition from Rev. 4 to Rev. 5 and the introduction of the Open Security Controls Assessment Language (OSCAL). At Rizkly, we’re dedicated to simplifying these processes, offering comprehensive support to help Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) achieve and maintain compliance efficiently and effectively.

Transitioning to FedRAMP Rev. 5

The FedRAMP PMO has assured CSPs that transitioning to FedRAMP Rev. 5 should not necessitate major system changes. However, the reality of compliance work means that even seemingly minor system changes can create a ripple effect that can be a drain on people and budgets, taking attention away from running your business. Rizkly’s platform is designed to make compliance easier so that CSPs can align with the new Rev. 5 baselines without overwhelming their resources.

Rizkly’s Guided Compliance as a Service (GCaaS) options deliver the perfect blend of technology and expert guidance. This hybrid approach enables CSPs to meet Rev. 5 requirements faster and more cost-effectively than traditional methods. With Rizkly, you don’t have to choose between managing compliance on your own or hiring an expensive team of consultants. Our platform provides expertise and tools tailored to your unique needs, all with the goal of simplifying your FedRAMP compliance journey.

Challenges of FedRAMP Compliance for SMBs

  1. Resource Constraints: SMBs often operate with limited resources. The extensive documentation, continuous monitoring, and rigorous assessments required by FedRAMP can strain their capabilities. Unlike larger organizations, SMBs might not have dedicated compliance teams, making it difficult to keep up with the demanding requirements.
  2. Complexity of Requirements: FedRAMP’s stringent security controls and comprehensive requirements can be daunting. SMBs may struggle with understanding and implementing these controls, especially if they lack prior experience with federal compliance standards.
  3. Cost: The financial burden of achieving and maintaining FedRAMP compliance can be significant. Costs associated with hiring consultants, conducting assessments, and implementing necessary security measures can be prohibitive for smaller organizations.
  4. Evolving Standards: Staying up-to-date with evolving standards and ensuring continuous compliance can be challenging. SMBs may find it difficult to adapt to changes like the transition from Rev. 4 to Rev. 5, which require updates to their security controls and documentation.

Because Rizkly is designed with small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in mind, we understand the challenges you face when it comes to achieving FedRAMP compliance.

OSCAL On Deck

The introduction of OSCAL marks a significant advancement in the automation of compliance management. Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), OSCAL provides a machine-readable format for managing security controls and compliance information. The FedRAMP program is among the first to adopt OSCAL, underscoring its potential to revolutionize compliance processes.

Benefits of OSCAL Automation

  1. Efficiency: OSCAL reduces the manual labor associated with generating security documentation, conducting assessments, and tracking remediation activities. This not only saves time and money but also minimizes the risk of human error.
  2. Effectiveness: By providing a standardized format for security information, OSCAL makes it easier to identify, evaluate, and remediate key risks. This improves the overall security posture of both the US government and CSPs.
  3. Scalability & Extensibility: OSCAL’s flexible framework supports a wide range of compliance requirements. It can be extended to accommodate the unique elements of various privacy and security risk programs, making it a versatile tool for compliance management.

Rizkly’s OSCAL Capabilities

Since the release of OSCAL 1.0 in 2021, Rizkly has been at the forefront of supporting this standard. Our platform allows CSPs to import existing Word SSPs and generate OSCAL files with a single click. This capability is a game-changer for compliance, as manually creating OSCAL files for updates or submissions is impractical for most organizations.

In 2024, FedRAMP automation efforts are stepping up, with a dedicated roadmap focusing on OSCAL implementationreleased to the public several months ago. Several proof-of-concept pilot programs are scheduled this year, showcasing the potential of OSCAL to streamline compliance processes. Rizkly is a proud member of the FedRAMP Early Adopters Working Group, bringing OSCAL expertise to our clients. This group fosters community engagement among CSPs, 3PAOs, tool developers, and other stakeholders to refine FedRAMP automation technology and processes.

Ready to Simplify Your FedRAMP Compliance Journey?

At Rizkly, we believe in making cybersecurity compliance management more efficient, effective, and scalable. Whether you’re starting your first compliance intiative, transitioning to FedRAMP Rev. 5 or integrating OSCAL into your compliance processes, our platform and available expert guidance are here to support you every step of the way.

Contact us today to learn how Rizkly can simplify your compliance journey and what it takes to prepare for the automation revolution that is coming to FedRAMP. Consider partnering with us for an OSCAL pilot project to ensure that you stay ahead of evolving requirements and maintain robust security measures. Together, we can make the complex process of FedRAMP compliance more manageable and less of a drain on your resources.

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